Mercedes-Benz SLC (R172 facelift ) AMG SLC 43 V6 (390 Hp) 9G-TRONIC

The Mercedes-Benz SLC (R172 facelift 2016) AMG SLC 43 V6: A Compact Roadster’s Grand Finale

The Mercedes-Benz SLC, particularly the R172 facelift generation, represents a significant chapter in the German automaker’s history of compact luxury roadsters. Following in the footsteps of the beloved SLK, the SLC nameplate was introduced in 2016 as part of a comprehensive refresh, aligning it with Mercedes-Benz’s contemporary nomenclature, where ‘C’ denotes its relationship to the C-Class family. The specific variant, the Mercedes-Benz SLC (R172 facelift 2016) AMG SLC 43 V6 (390 Hp) 9G-TRONIC, stands as the performance pinnacle of this final generation, offering a compelling blend of open-top driving exhilaration, sophisticated technology, and the unmistakable flair of Mercedes-AMG engineering. Produced from June 2018 to July 2020, this particular model was a swan song for the SLC, marking the end of a lineage that had captivated enthusiasts for over two decades with its innovative retractable hardtop design and engaging driving dynamics.

Positioned as a premium two-seater coupe-cabriolet, the AMG SLC 43 carved out a niche in the competitive luxury sports car segment, appealing to buyers seeking a balance of daily usability and weekend thrill. While the SLC was a global product, its primary markets were Europe and North America, where its blend of performance and luxury resonated with discerning customers. The AMG SLC 43, in particular, brought a more aggressive edge to the refined roadster, injecting a dose of high-performance DNA into its compact proportions, making it a highly desirable, albeit short-lived, offering.

Engine and Performance: The Heart of the AMG SLC 43 V6

At the core of the Mercedes-Benz SLC (R172 facelift 2016) AMG SLC 43 V6 lies a potent 3.0-liter BiTurbo V6 engine, designated as the M 276 DE 30 AL/276.822. This powerplant is a masterpiece of modern engineering, meticulously tuned by Mercedes-AMG to deliver an exhilarating driving experience. It generates a robust 390 horsepower, available across a broad rev range from 5500 to 6000 rpm, ensuring responsive acceleration and sustained power delivery. The torque output is equally impressive, peaking at 383.53 lb.-ft. (520 Nm) between 2500 and 5000 rpm. This wide torque band contributes significantly to the car’s effortless acceleration and flexible performance, whether navigating city streets or carving through winding backroads.

The engine’s configuration as a V-engine with six cylinders and four valves per cylinder, combined with direct fuel injection and a BiTurbo setup with an intercooler, optimizes combustion efficiency and power output. This advanced aspiration system minimizes turbo lag, providing immediate throttle response that is characteristic of AMG vehicles. The power-to-weight ratio stands at a remarkable 256.6 horsepower per tonne (3.9 kg/Hp), translating into blistering acceleration. The AMG SLC 43 can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.5 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds), a figure that firmly places it in genuine sports car territory. The top speed is electronically limited to 155.34 mph (250 km/h), a common practice for German performance vehicles.

Mated to this powerful engine is Mercedes-Benz’s sophisticated 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. This nine-speed gearbox is renowned for its smooth shifts, quick responsiveness, and ability to optimize power delivery for both performance and fuel efficiency. It allows the driver to exploit the engine’s full potential, whether in automatic mode or when manually shifting via paddle shifters. The drivetrain architecture is classic sports car: a front, longitudinal engine layout sending power to the rear wheels, ensuring an engaging and balanced driving dynamic that purists appreciate. Despite its performance credentials, the AMG SLC 43 manages a combined fuel economy of approximately 29 US mpg (8.1 l/100 km), thanks to the efficient transmission and modern engine technologies, adhering to the Euro 6d – TEMP – EVAP – ISC emission standard.

Design and Features: Roadster Elegance with AMG Aggression

The Mercedes-Benz SLC (R172 facelift 2016) AMG SLC 43 V6 retains the iconic coupe-cabriolet, roadster body type that defined its SLK predecessors, featuring a cleverly designed retractable hardtop that transforms the car from a sleek coupe to an open-air roadster in a matter of seconds. This dual-purpose design offers the best of both worlds: the security and refinement of a fixed-roof coupe and the exhilarating experience of top-down motoring. The car’s compact dimensions – with a length of 162.72 inches, a width of 71.26 inches, and a height of 51.22 inches – contribute to its agile handling and distinctive presence.

Visually, the AMG SLC 43 distinguishes itself with aggressive styling cues that reflect its performance pedigree. The facelift introduced revised bumpers, a diamond radiator grille, and updated LED lighting signatures, giving the car a sharper, more modern appearance. AMG-specific elements include larger air intakes, unique alloy wheels (18-inch rims with 235/40 R18 front and 255/35 R18 rear tires), and quad exhaust outlets, all hinting at the power within. The interior is a luxurious two-seater cockpit, blending high-quality materials with advanced technology. Leather upholstery, sporty seats, and AMG-branded accents create an upscale yet performance-oriented ambiance. Modern features for its era include a revised infotainment system, a multi-function steering wheel, and a host of driver-assistance technologies.

Safety features are paramount in a modern Mercedes-Benz, and the SLC 43 is no exception. It comes equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), ventilated discs for both front and rear brakes ensuring strong stopping power, and an electric power steering system for precise control. While a small two-seater, the trunk space is respectable for its class, ranging from 7.95 cu. ft. (225 liters) with the top down to 11.83 cu. ft. (335 liters) with the top up, making it practical for weekend getaways. The inclusion of an engine particulate filter also highlights Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to reducing emissions, even in its performance models.

Technical Specifications

Legacy and Market Impact: The End of an Era

The Mercedes-Benz SLC (R172 facelift 2016) AMG SLC 43 V6, despite its relatively short production run for this specific variant (2018-2020), holds a significant place in the lineage of Mercedes-Benz roadsters. It represents the ultimate evolution of the compact, two-seater convertible concept that Mercedes-Benz pioneered with the SLK in the mid-1990s. The transition from SLK to SLC was more than just a name change; it was a refinement of an already successful formula, bringing modern styling, updated technology, and enhanced performance to the forefront.

In its market segment, the AMG SLC 43 faced stiff competition from established rivals such as the Porsche 718 Boxster S, the Audi TT RS Roadster, and the BMW Z4 M40i. While each offered a distinct flavor of open-top performance, the SLC 43 distinguished itself with its unique retractable hardtop, which provided superior cabin refinement and security compared to soft-top competitors. Its AMG-tuned V6 engine offered a compelling alternative to the four-cylinder engines in the base 718 Boxster and TT, and a different character compared to BMW’s inline-six. The SLC 43 was praised for its balance of luxury, comfort, and genuine sports car performance, making it a versatile choice for enthusiasts who appreciated both spirited driving and daily usability.

The decision to cease production of the SLC in 2020 marked the end of the SLK/SLC line, a testament to evolving market trends favoring SUVs and larger, more practical vehicles. However, the Mercedes-Benz SLC (R172 facelift 2016) AMG SLC 43 V6 (390 Hp) 9G-TRONIC leaves behind a legacy as a sophisticated, high-performance compact roadster that perfectly encapsulated Mercedes-Benz’s engineering prowess and AMG’s commitment to driving excitement. It stands as a collector’s item for those who appreciate the blend of a powerful BiTurbo V6, a slick 9-speed automatic transmission, and the timeless appeal of a retractable hardtop roadster, all wrapped in a beautifully styled package. Its impact will be remembered as a high-point for the segment, offering a luxurious and engaging driving experience right up to its discontinuation.